Determining the radiological indices of the third phalanx in the forelimbs of ponies

It is essential to monitor the condition and assess the functionality of motor organs in horses. The aim of this study was to use radiology to ascertain the biometric characteristics of the third phalanx in ponies, as there has been no comparison with other horse breeds and no detailed information regarding the size and angles of this structure has been obtained. In order to get lateral radiographs of the right and left front limbs, six clinically healthy mature ponies that were comparable in height, weight, and age were chosen. The lateral radiograph was used to measure the lengths, ratios, and changing morphometric angles of the third phalanx of the finger and hoof. Seven lengths, six angles, and a ratio between the knuckle's end and the hoof wall were measured and examined for every radiograph. The following dimensions were examined: width of the soft tissue in the hoof wall, palmar-cortical length (PCL) of the knuckle end, ratio of wall thickness to PCL, knuckle end axis, difference between S-angle and T-angle (H-angle), middle finger axis (U-angle), difference between U-angle and T-angle (R-angle), D-founder, S-founder and CF-founder, and P-angle. The results of this investigation showed that there is no statistically significant difference (P<0.04) between the radiography characteristics measured in the left and right hands of horses. Researchers, veterinarians, and pony breeders can utilize this information as a resource when examining illnesses of the third phalanx in ponies.

Determining the radiological indices of the third phalanx in the forelimbs of ponies Keywords:

Forelimb , Pony , Third phalanx